Understanding Immune System Differences Around the World
Evolution and Function of Immunogenetic Diversity across the Eastern Hemisphere
This project aims to understand the natural variations in our immune system genes, called HLA and KIR, across different populations to learn how these differences affect conditions like autoimmune diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11141664 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our immune system has special genes, HLA and KIR, that help protect us from illness. Differences in these genes can influence how our immune cells work and are linked to conditions such as autoimmune diseases, neurological problems, and even how we respond to infections. This project will look at the variety of these important immune genes in many people from the Eastern Hemisphere and underrepresented groups in the USA. By understanding these differences, we hope to better understand immune-related diseases and develop more personalized treatments in the future.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients for a clinical trial but aims to benefit individuals with autoimmune diseases, neurological conditions, and those from underrepresented populations globally.
Not a fit: Patients not affected by immune-mediated diseases or those whose conditions are unrelated to HLA and KIR gene variations may not directly benefit from this specific genetic diversity mapping.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a better understanding of immune-related diseases, more accurate diagnoses, and the development of personalized treatments, including immunotherapies.
How similar studies have performed: While the importance of HLA and KIR is known, this project is novel in its comprehensive approach to mapping their diversity across the entire Eastern Hemisphere to fill existing knowledge gaps.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado Denver — Aurora, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Norman, Paul John — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Norman, Paul John
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.